alight

¹

[ uh-lahyt ]

verb (used without object)

, a·light·ed or a·lit, a·light·ing.

1. to dismount from a horse, descend from a vehicle, etc.
2. to settle or stay after descending:

   The bird alighted on the tree.

3. to encounter or notice something accidentally.

alight

²

[ uh-lahyt ]

adverb

1. provided with light; lighted up.
2. on fire; burning.

alight

¹

/ əˈlaɪt /

adjective

1. burning; on fire
2. illuminated; lit up

alight

²

/ əˈlaɪt /

verb

1. usually foll by from to step out (of) or get down (from)

   to alight from a taxi

2. to come to rest; settle; land

   a thrush alighted on the wall

Word History and Origins

Origin of alight¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English alighten, Old English ālīhtan; equivalent to a- ³ + light ³ )

Origin of alight²

First recorded before 1000; originally past participle of alight “to light up,” Middle English alihten, Old English onlīhtan, equivalent to a- ¹ + light ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of alight¹

Old English ālīht lit up, from ālīhtan to light up; see light ¹

Origin of alight²

Old English ālīhtan, from a- ² + līhtan to make less heavy, from līht light ²

Example Sentences

The affected building, at the rear of the Magic Cottage charity shop, remained alight on Monday morning but no injuries were reported.

From BBC

The Royal Samoan Police Band began playing as the couple alighted and met local officials.

From BBC

Organizations like the Cultural Burn Association have been working with landowners to set portions of farms and homesteads alight.

From Salon

Martinique has been rocked by protests that have left four people dead in clashes and shops and businesses set alight or looted.

From BBC

Ms Rainey was preparing to go to work when her husband, Thomas Rainey, opened her car door, threw petrol over her and set her alight.

From BBC

Related Words

• descend
• disembark
• get off
• perch
• touch down